Its closure has long been discussed as part of the plan for a nice new fitness facility, but now the last days have arrived for a treasured YMCA in Halifax, and the community that's grown up with the Y for the last 61 years is just starting to face the loss.

The department known as Parks and Rec covers much of the fabric of life in Colorado Springs. People agree that the programs and facilities are popular and well-used. Yet the city's recreation services manager say the programs could vanish and the facilities could close.

While we’ve all been riveted by Governor Blagojevich’s alleged plans to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat to the highest bidder, Mayor Daley has been busy making his own deals, mortgaging the city to balance the budget and win the Olympics.

In early 2014, the Red Cross gave $50,000 of money designated to help with 2012 Colorado wildfires to the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. The grant first came to light in late October, when $10,000 of it was used to pay for a Manitou fireworks display.